Prime Minister Golding Leaves for CHOGM Today

Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding will leave the island today (Nov. 20) to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kampala, Uganda, from November 23-25.
The Summit is being held under the theme ‘Transforming Commonwealth Societies to achieve political, economic and human development’. It will provide the opportunity for Member States to review global and economic developments such as climate change and international trade and to identify ways to strengthen mutual cooperation within the Commonwealth. In addition, Prime Minister Golding will participate in three retreat sessions over the three days. These sessions, which will be attended by Prime Ministers and Presidents, provide an informal environment for consensus building and resolution on such issues as trade, sustainable development and aid architecture using the Commonwealth network to achieve these goals.
Mr. Golding’s agenda includes a private lunch hosted by Her Majesty, the Queen for the new Heads of Government, and a reception hosted by Commonwealth Secretary-General, His Excellency the Hon. Don McKinnon, for Heads of Delegation to meet the press.
Prime Minister Golding attends CHOGM…2/
He will also attend a sports breakfast hosted by Ugandan President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers. The Hon. Mike Fennel will co-chair the breakfast proceedings in the capacity as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
CHOGM is held every two years and brings together Commonwealth leaders to discuss global and Commonwealth issues. Jamaica has benefited from its membership in the Commonwealth through the opportunity it provides for the sharing of experiences, best practices, skills and information across international boundaries.
Mr. Golding returns to the island on Monday, November 26. During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. the Hon. Kenneth Baugh, will be in charge of the government.